Acquisition of Espey Consultants Inc and Applied Science Associates Inc

RPS has recently completed the acquisition of two highly regarded consultancy firms in the USA. Espey Consultants Inc (Espey) joined RPS on 12th October – followed by Applied Science Associates Inc (ASA) who joined us on 27th October.

Founded in 1983, Espey provides environmental, water and civil engineering consultancy services to a broad range of complex engineering projects in water resource management and associated environmental assessment, land development and planning. The Texas-based firm has offices in Austin (its headquarters), Dallas, Houston, Laredo, New Braunfels, and Amarillo. The existing management team will remain with the business – as will the staff of over 40 highly qualified professionals. Now re-branded as RPS Espey, the business broadens and supports our environmental activities in the USA – adding considerably to our current water consulting skills.

Applied Science Associates Inc (ASA) was founded in 1979 and is now one of the premier oceanographic and metocean consulting firms in the USA. It provides science and technology solutions in applied oceanography through consulting, environmental modeling and software development to clients in government and industry. The skills within ASA match well with the oceanographic measurement services provided by RPS Evans-Hamilton – which was acquired earlier this year, and those of RPS' metocean business in Australia. The firm operates from its US headquarters in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, and Shanghai, China. The existing management team is remaining with the business, together with the staff of over 50 highly qualified professionals.

The acquisition of Espey Consultants marks a step change in our capabilities in water resource management in the southwest US at a time when access to adequate water resources in the region is a growing concern. Similarly, the acquisition of ASA means our combined oceanographic capabilities put us in a strong position to serve the oil & gas, LNG, ports & harbours and offshore renewable energy sectors by helping clients predict oceanic and near-shore conditions in respect of wind, waves, tides and currents.